Anise Drops
Delicate anise-flavored cookies with a crisp texture, perfect for teatime or holidays, offering a subtle licorice aroma that appeals to those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Generously grease cookie sheets.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
- Put the eggs into a liquid measuring cup; add enough water to make 1/2 cup liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and anise flavoring or seed.
- Beat until very thick and piled softly.
- Fold in the dry ingredients.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Set aside in a cool place, uncovered, 8 to 10 hours or overnight.
- Do not disturb.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture for your Anise Drops, ensure that the eggs are beaten until very thick and fluffy. If you don’t have anise flavoring, you can substitute with almond extract for a different but delightful flavor. Allowing the dough to rest for 8 to 10 hours is crucial for achieving the right consistency, similar to techniques used in American recipes for meringues.
Serving Suggestions
These Anise Drops are delightful as a standalone treat or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with Christine'S Broccoli Bake for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a side of whipped cream for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Anise Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours; they don’t require baking again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anise Drops contains roughly 18 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor instead of anise?
Yes, you can substitute anise flavoring with vanilla extract or almond extract. Both will impart a different but pleasant flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary from the original recipe, but it will still yield a delicious cookie.
Why do I need to let the dough rest for so long?
Allowing the dough to rest for 8 to 10 hours helps the flavors to meld and the texture to develop. This step is essential for achieving the chewy, soft consistency characteristic of Anise Drops, similar to techniques found in traditional American recipes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients together. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).